Microsoft welcomes user suggestions for Windows Phone 7.8

Earlier in the year, Microsoft announced its decision to limit Windows Phone users from installing Windows Phone 8 when it is finally released. It did this to take advantage of advanced hardware and introduce a completely new framework that would integrate more seamlessly with the desktop iteration of Windows 8 and unify the platform.

But the lack of update leaves current Windows Phone users in an undesirable position, which is why Microsoft introduced 7.8. The half-update brings a few features of 8, like the new start screen, to first-generation devices. However, in a reply to a forum post listing “MORE WINDOWS PHONE 7.8 FEATURES!!”, Microsoft forum admin ‘Mobile Guru’ seemed receptive to the suggestions and asked others to suggest their own wishlists to include in the 7.8 update. Of course, these requests must still yield to hardware limitations but it’s a step in the right direction.

The thread has so far earned 53,910 votes, a result of users appreciating the original poster’s requests for “Screenshots, IE10, new dictation, over-the-air updates, new languages, office 2013, Skype VoIP, and datasmart.” Other suggestions include a screen orientatino lock, custom user profiles, mass storage, and custom volume controls. Most features being asked for are already present on iOS and Android and don’t seem too difficult to include in the upcoming software update, so let’s hope Microsoft is able to accomodate its users. Regardless, it’s nice to see Microsoft being open to suggestions and rewarding its early adopters.

Their are some features we can definitely count on making the cut, as they’ve already been announced as official Windows Phone 7.8 features. They include the new Start Screen allowing for more tiles, silent mode when phone is facedown, camera improvements, and various other smaller fixes. As for Windows Phone 8, the new software brings new NFC features like mobile payments, over-the-air updates, and support for higher screen resolutions.

If you’re curious Here’s the administrator’s reply in full:

As you know, Windows Phone 8 is a generational shift in technology, which means that it will not run on existing hardware.

BUT we care deeply about our existing customers and would like to know SPECIFICALLY what features you would like to see on 7.8 and vote INDIVIDUALLY for the one that you want most (vs. one large grab bag of features).

What do you think of Microsoft’s receptive attitude? Are you as charmed as we are?